Articles by Erik J. Martin - Page 5

So how much does it cost to build a pool? Here's everything you need to know about adding a new swimming pool in your backyard.

How much does it cost to finish a basement? On average, expect to pay between $7 to $25 per square foot to finish a basement.

You can still take advantage of your home's equity despite bad credit. Read on to discover the best home equity loans for bad credit.

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage that's popular with first-time homebuyers. Discover the different types of FHA loans available.

Thinking about relocating to a state where it’s less costly to purchase a home? You’re not alone. Discover the cheapest states to buy a house in.

What's the right HELOC strategy for your financial needs? Read on to discover creative ways to put your home equity to work for you.

A jumbo loan lets you buy a high-priced home with a mortgage above conforming limits. Learn about jumbo loan limits and requirements here.

Will the housing market get better in 2023? Will rates go down? Will home prices fall — or crash? Experts answer these questions and more.

Will mortgage rates go down in 2023? Experts are split on how high rates could go next year. See their 2023 mortgage rate predictions here.

Do you need 20% for a conventional loan down payment? Not even close. Today's conventional loans start at just 3% down.

You typically need good credit to get a HELOC. But lenders set their own guidelines and some are more lenient than others.

Buying a house after bankruptcy is possible, but most buyers have a waiting period after Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a home loan.

Most mortgage lenders consider 43% or lower to be a good debt-to-income ratio. But a higher DTI may be OK, too. Here's what you should know.

A second mortgage lets you cash out home equity without refinancing. Learn about second mortgage options and how they work.

HELOCs and cash-out refinancing both tap your home equity, but they work very differently. Explore HELOC vs cash-out refinance pros and cons.

Here are 7 things you should never do before buying a house. Follow these best practices to give yourself the best shot at mortgage approval and a low rate.

Earnest money, down payment, and closing costs all need to be paid by home buyers. Learn when your upfront fees are due and what to expect.

If you love where you live but want to stop renting, you might want to buy the house from your landlord. Here's how to buy a home you rent.

In today's market, it's common for buyers to offer above the asking price on a home. But how much over asking price is too much?

Many buyers are hoping to wait out the current market and buy a house in 2023. Here's how to position yourself to buy a house next year.